August 1, 2025 | Mike Enright '88 (CLAS), University Communications

UConn People – August 6, 2025

If you would like to submit a passing, retirement, notable birthday, achievement or a family event of a UConn employee or retiree for consideration, please email to work@uconn.edu.

Achievement

David Atkin, professor of communication, has been inducted as a Fellow of the International Communication Association (ICA). Since attending ICA in the mid-1980s, Atkin has been conducting empirical research with real-world application value. This research trajectory has guided Atkin to study mediated communication, communication technologies, political communication, and communication policy in diverse societal contexts. His work has been influential in areas such as media effects, media law and policy, and the impact of digital media on society.

Michael Bozzi, an adjunct faculty member in the MBA program and the Director of the MBA Office of Student Services, has been selected as the Honorary Commander for the Connecticut Air National Guard’s 103rd Maintenance Group. He is the first civilian to receive the appointment. During his three-year tenure, he will share his leadership knowledge and expertise with the 250-member maintenance group, attend many of their social functions, and go on a training flight to learn more about their work.

John O’Leary, an employee in the Office of the Bursar, recently had his research on the Melton Museum in Norwalk published in the summer 2025 issue of Connecticut Explored magazine.

The UConn Magazine team, based in University Communications, won the following awards at the annual Connecticut Art Directors Club (CADC) awards show:  Judges Award for the Spring 2025 issue (24 Hours at UConn special issue) – one of the CADC’s highest honors as each judge selects one piece that they believe exemplifies excellence;  Gold for the Spring 2025 issue (24 Hours at UConn special issue); silver for the Fall 2024 issue ; silver for the Summer 2024 issue; silver for the Summer 2024 cover; silver for the Super Fans photography. The CADC was founded in 1975 to celebrate and foster creative excellence in Connecticut.

The Society for Historians of the Early American Republic (SHEAR) held their annual conference in Providence, Rhode Island, in mid-July and the Department of History was well-represented. Manisha Sinha, Draper Chair in American History and outgoing president of SHEAR, moderated the president’s plenary panel and delivered the presidential address, while current faculty members Cornelia Dayton, Deirdre Cooper Owens, and Melanie Newport helped to lead several panels and workshops.

In Memoriam

John Jepson, 87, of Simsbury, Conn., a former adjunct instructor at UConn Law, on July 23.

Patricia Parlette, 71, an administrative coordinator in the Department of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages for over 30 years, on July 31.

Robert Shaffer, 95, of Putnam, Conn., a retired manager of the purchasing department, on July 24.